Music to my Ears [(Y/n) x Venti]

Chapter 7

  She was a rather tall individual with cryptic gold eyes following us like a hawk would it's prey. Although they looked void and stark, I knew it was all a facade to hide her unabating attention.

But the one thing that really stuck with me was her hair-hair the color of rich sapphire combed back tightly into a high pony tail. It radiated elegance and certitude, as if she knew her stance in society and was proud of it. Although she wore simple clothes no different than others', she seemed like she didn't belong among such "unremarkable" people.

  "Hey there! We're here with your food order!" Venti announced. He gently took the brown paper bag I had been holding in my hands and offered it to the woman.

"Ah yes, thank you." The latter responded in a monotone voice. She showed no emotion as she continued. "I didn't know it would arrive so quickly. Let me go get my money pouch and then I'll-"

She stopped talking when she took a closer look at me. It was only for a second, but I could've sworn her eyes raised in surprise. However, she just as quickly returned to the stoic woman she had painted herself as, and her eyes went back to the seemingly distant ones that sported naught but sobriety and poise.

"It seems I've forgotten where I placed my money pouch. One moment, if you will..." she spoke again, excusing herself before she went back into the apartment.

  "No problem, ma'am." Venti called after her politely.

  "I've never seen her around before. You'd think with her unique features I'd remember if I saw her in Mondstadt..." I implied in a harsh whisper.

  "Neither have I..." he responded. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions, but I'd be good if we remember this address."

"Got it."

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Before long, the mysterious woman came back with a small pouch of mora. She murmured a quick thank you and took the food inside, shutting the door.

Venti nodded and we both left the small building to emerge in the aureate beams of the setting sun. Mondstadt's people had already begun to close up their shops and head home. The knights patrolling town square were heading back to the headquarters to switch out with another pair. A strong breeze stirred, ushering is on.

  "Mondstadt's scenery is quite peaceful..." I mused aloud.

  "Yes, it is. In its serenity, it gives much inspiration to poets and bards, but more then that, it gives the people a reminder of freedom through it's invigorating breezes. It's almost as if Lord Barbatos is still among us..." Venti responded, taking in a breath of fresh air.

  "What was Barbatos like? I've heard enough to know he was the anemo archon and protector of Mondstadt, but I don't know much more then that."

  Venti turned to me, pleasantly surprised with my question. "Before his watchful gaze turned to one from afar, Barbatos was an archon who loved his people and music alike. Legend says you can still here the dulcet sounds of his lyre, gently carried by the wind to give hope to the people of Mondstadt..."

  "But how do the people of Mondstadt have any faith left? How do you any faith left? From what I read, Barbatos has been inactive for quite some time. What makes you think he hasn't given up on you?" Although my tone was unusually sharp, I couldn't help but let it stem from a place within.

  The archons had destroyed my home, all because we refused to bow to their fatuous will. No matter how well one can speak of an archon, and no matter how highly they regard them, it still doesn't change they fact they've built on years of error, cruelty, and bloodshed. I had read enough to know of the misconducts of these over-glorified beings, exempted from their mistakes all for the simple fact that they were powerful. As much as I tried to resist it, I couldn't help but find myself holding a fervent anger against them. In all the ways I tried to adapt to the rest of Teyvat's life, the one thing I couldn't do was forgive the archons. In my heart, they didn't deserve it.

  Venti finally broke the silence with a soft voice and a look of realization. "You hold a strong grudge against the Seven. Which of them hurt you?"

  "That," I spoke sharply, trying to hold back tears, "is none of your business."

  I sauntered off, leaving Venti with mixed confusion. I didn't care what he thought of me for being disrespectful to his archon. It wasn't like I was saying it to Barbatos's face. In fact, Barbatos would probably never have the displeasure of hearing my bitter remarks, so long as he was still away doing anything but caring for his people. The bard would have to learn that respect doesn't always come naturally, especially from someone so greatly wronged by the ones she was meant to honor. And not so deep inside I knew that I would never forgive the archons, no matter how much they pleaded for it.

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  The wind blew against my face gently. I hated to admit it, but it felt quite comforting. Almost as if I tune was carried out by the wind...

  My eyes flew open when I swore I heard a gentle chord executed. Is my mind playing tricks on me? I hated the thought that even my mind wanted to prove I was wrong after yesterday's outrageous statement to Venti. That made me even more stubborn in my anger.

  There it was again! Had what Venti said really been true? Or did news actually get to Barbatos about my blasphemies toward him? Had he come to assert punishment?

  "Lord Barbatos..." I murmured cautiously. When I heard no voices reply but another melodious string of notes instead, I headed toward them.

  I left the grassy meadow where I had sat early in the morning to clear my head. The only person I had told about my absence was Dahlia, although she must've told the others by now as well. Should I head back? It had been quite a while-

  The tune once more wafted towards my ears, sweet-toned as silvery as ever. I took a few more steps toward the source. The sound was greater now, and I could pick up not only bits of cadence, but a whole song. Although it wasn't
accompanied by voice, I could still image a line of melody and a steady rhythm of lyrics. Somehow, it found its way to my heart, warm and tranquil.

  "Lord Barbatos?" I called again, my voice soft and expectant. This time, the music stopped, but for only a moment before proceeding.

  I pushed forward through foliage and came up upon Windrise, it's majestic tree towering over me.

I looked expectantly up the tree, only to find a familiar face studying me.

  "Venti!? But I thought..." I trailed off, shaking my head. "Never mind that. Sorry for interrupting you..." I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me.

  "Wait! Don't leave yet-"

  I looked at him with a serious demeanor cast upon my face. After what happened yesterday, I didn't expect him to want to talk again.

  "Would you care for a song? You seemed to enjoy the other one." He looked at me hopefully.